The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 aims to enhance ethical standards and transparency within the federal judiciary, particularly for Supreme Court justices. It mandates that the Supreme Court issue a comprehensive code of conduct for its justices within 180 days, following public notice and comment. Similarly, the Judicial Conference must establish a code of conduct for other federal judges, and both codes must be publicly accessible on the Supreme Court's website.

A key provision establishes a formal process for handling complaints against justices, requiring the Supreme Court to create procedures for individuals to file allegations of code violations, federal law breaches, or conduct undermining the Court's integrity. These complaints, which must be sworn and fact-based, would be referred to a judicial investigation panel composed of five randomly selected chief circuit judges. This panel is empowered to investigate, hold hearings, issue subpoenas, and present findings and recommendations—including disciplinary actions—to the Supreme Court, with public reports for non-dismissed complaints.

The bill significantly strengthens disclosure and recusal standards. It directs the Counselor to the Chief Justice to establish rules for justices and their law clerks regarding the acceptance and disclosure of gifts, income, and reimbursements, aligning these with the stricter standards of the Senate and House of Representatives. Furthermore, it expands the circumstances under which a justice must disqualify themselves from a case, including situations where a party to the proceeding made lobbying contacts or spent substantial funds supporting the justice's nomination or confirmation. Disqualification is also required if a justice, their spouse, minor child, or a related entity received income or gifts from a party within six years of the proceeding.

To ensure impartiality, the legislation introduces a mechanism for the review of certified disqualification motions, where a panel of judges or the Supreme Court itself (excluding the justice in question) would rule on such motions. It also mandates new disclosure requirements for parties and amici curiae, compelling them to list gifts, income, reimbursements, or lobbying efforts made to justices. Additionally, amicus brief filers must disclose significant financial contributors to their brief or organization, with annual audits conducted by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

Finally, the bill establishes robust oversight and reporting requirements. The Federal Judicial Center is tasked with conducting biennial studies on compliance with judicial recusal statutes and reporting its findings to Congress. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will periodically review these studies and the amicus disclosure audits, with authorized access to relevant records from the Federal Judicial Center and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to ensure thoroughness and accountability.